Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday shared the stage with Baba Brahmdas Maharaj at the Baba Bhuman Shah Dera in Sirsa during a yoga programme held ahead of International Yoga Day. This visit is being viewed as significant beyond its spiritual message, given the dera's influence in Punjab's political landscape.
Political Significance
The dera is considered the main religious centre of the Kamboj community, which has a large following in Punjab's Abohar, Fazilka, Jalalabad, and Sri Muktsar Sahib regions. With Punjab's political landscape beginning to warm up ahead of the next Assembly elections, the chief minister's presence at the influential dera has attracted attention in political circles.
CM's Address
Addressing the gathering, Saini described yoga as India's timeless gift to the world and called for a healthy and drug-free society. He said yoga connects the body, mind, and soul and has emerged as a global movement under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Baba Brahmdas's Praise
The chief minister and Baba Brahmdas Maharaj shared the stage throughout the programme, with the dera chief openly praising Saini's efforts to promote yoga across Haryana. In his address, Baba Brahmdas said regular yoga keeps people healthy, brings mental peace, and helps them progress on the spiritual path.
"Our saints and spiritual leaders have always inspired society through yoga, and today Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is playing an important role in taking yoga to every household," the dera chief said, drawing applause from devotees.
Legacy of Service
Saini, in turn, lauded Baba Bhuman Shah's legacy of social service and praised Baba Brahmdas for carrying forward the dera's work in education, healthcare, and community welfare.
The programme drew a large gathering of devotees and community leaders from Haryana and neighbouring Punjab.
